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Chinese New Year: Year of
the Tiger

If you want to be celebrating the
Chinese New Year (which in 2010 is the year
of the tiger) in a traditional manner there are a few things you should
consider. Hold on to your hats because this one might be a bumpy ride.

First and foremost...firecrackers and loud noises! I know, many states have
outlawed fireworks so you might just have to go to your closest Chinatown, but
you need all that racket to scare away the angry ghosts left over from last
years.

On the night before the New Year begins sweep away all the dirt and dust. That
also is the crap and badness that accumulated the previous year. If you can,
decorate your house with fresh flowers, particularly the luck and fortunate
colors of red and gold. These bring good luck and fortune to the house.

Many people go out to eat at a Chinese restaurant but if you can't do that just
cook up your own meal with symbolic ingredients. For instance oysters represent
good fortune and success. As well fresh fish represents a huge surplus and
lettuce means money and prosperity. You can also make pot stickers or steamed
dumplings called jiaozi which look a little like a tael of gold. The recipe is
simple and easy to make.

Adults often give unmarried children the little
Hun Bao, which are small red
envelopes stuffed with money. Children will also play Rock, Paper, and Scissors
while celebrating
Chinese New Year as well.

So you see celebrating
Chinese New Year in the year of the tiger can be fun for
the whole family.